Numerous observations suggest that killer whales are attempting to form bonds with humans.

In an intriguing new study, researchers found that wild killer whales made 34 attempts to feed on humans. These uncommon cases occurred over 20 years and four oceans. Some took place from the shore, some in open water, and still others close to vessels.

The incidents bring to light the orcas' potential interest in people and pose significant queries on the social behaviour, communication, and intellect of whales.

The study's lead author, Jared Towers of Bay Cetology in British Columbia, Canada, stated that orcas frequently share food as a prosocial action and a means of fostering relationships. "The fact that they share with humans may indicate that they want to relate to us as well."

Killer whales' social lives

In the animal realm, orcas lead some of the most intricate social lives. They form close-knit family units known as pods, which are typically headed by an elderly matriarch.

These family groups are enduring ties, not merely get-togethers. Calves spend their entire lives swimming, hunting, and playing with their mothers.

In some areas, pods develop larvae

Similar to cultural accents that have been passed down over the years, pods in some areas form larger communities or clans that share distinctive vocal dialects. They can coordinate during hunts and defend one another from attacks thanks to their strong social structure.

It's not all business, though. Orcas also interact with one another for fun. During underwater games, they toss kelp, breach dramatically, or nuzzle one another in what is play.

They flirt and make acquaintances outside of their pods, displaying their personalities and interests. Orcas appear to have emotional lives and a sense of self based on these encounters.

What humans learnt from orcas

Six different killer whale populations were involved in the 34 events. Six fish, five animals, three invertebrates, two birds, one reptile, and even a piece of seaweed were among the eighteen species they presented to humans.

The orcas waited for a human reaction in 97 percent of these situations. A few lingered for a few minutes. Several times, when the humans returned the offering or ignored it, they tried again. In two very odd instances, humans returned birds to whales, who then offered them again.

Interspecies curiosity, communication, or even social learning could be the source of this behaviour. According to the scientists, these incidents could be an example of "generalised altruism," a sophisticated quality found in a select few social species.

More exploration than play

The researchers contend that the majority of encounters were not playful, although play was seen in 38% of them. Many of the whales supplied complete, fresh prey, and their ages ranged greatly.

The whales then utilised the prey for themselves or their group in more than 75% of cases, which were disregarded. This implies that the offerings were more than just entertainment; they had meaning and worth.

Different from play, curiosity-driven behaviour appeared to be a more powerful motivator. According to the study, animals frequently explore to eliminate uncertainty. Orcas may be able to learn how people react if they are offered food, much as they would with strangers in their species.

At work, deep social intelligence

A few whales gave the same object back to people more than once. Others performed in small groups or partnerships.

A solitary whale broke away from a bigger group in the majority of the 34 occurrences. This implies that the performance wasn't a show. Instead, it could be a reflection of the whale's own choice to engage.

It's interesting to note that killer whales have also been observed working with human fishermen in Russia and Australia. The authors pointed out that given the rise in human activity close to their habitats, this history may have an impact on relationships now.

Whales may consider people to be their friends.

In terms of brain-to-body ratio, killer whales are ranked second only to humans. Additionally, they exhibit sophisticated social and emotional behaviour. These characteristics encourage reciprocal behaviour, sophisticated social learning, and perhaps even empathy.

According to the researchers, "offering stuff to humans could simultaneously include opportunities for killer whales to explore, play, or practise learnt cultural behaviour and in so doing learn about, manipulate, or develop relationships with us."

Whales should not be approached by humans.

The experts advise caution despite the extraordinary nature of these interactions. Orcas are capable of displaying intricate and occasionally erratic behaviour.

There have been some intense encounters, but no one has been killed by a wild killer whale. They caution against pursuing such interactions or promoting the behaviour without the required authorisation.

The majority of these whales were members of surface-hunting communities that often share prey. There were no fish-only, deep-water populations involved. This implies that more regular and obvious interspecies contacts could result from cooperative surface hunting.

Humans and whales' sophisticated minds

The results cast doubt on our presumptions regarding the interactions between humans and animals. If orcas are attempting to connect with us, it indicates that they see us as possible social partners rather than as threats.

Not all of these whales are predators. They are watchers, thinkers, and perhaps even cultural, curious, memory, learning, and emotional explorers.

Their behaviour suggests that both humans and whales have sophisticated minds that are able to communicate, empathise, and make decisions.